Members at Erlestoke Golf Club near Devizes have split nearly £6,000 between two major local charities in what is thought to be their most successful fundraising year ever.

The three club captains, Neil Black (men’s captain), Dorothy Renfrew (ladies’ captain) and Dave Morgan (seniors’ captain), presented cheques for £2,968 each to Dave Bartholomew of Help for Heroes and Fiona Gilbert of Dorothy House Hospice at a special presentation evening at the club last Friday.

Mr Black said: “It was decided between the three of us which charities would benefit. In the club there are a lot of connections with the military and, sadly, with people suffering with cancer.

“We think it might be the most we have ever raised for charity. It was certainly a great effort.”

Some £2,500 of the total was raised by assistant professional Gary King and staff member Jez Blake who undertook a 24-hour golf marathon last May, playing 111 holes in that time.

Money was also raised from a very successful captain’s day, from raffles and by fining golfers for landing in one particular bunker. Mr Black said: “Everyone can see that bunker, so there was no getting out of paying the fine.”